Traditionally, the intrinsic properties of porous nanomaterials (micro-, meso- and macroporous), including their high surface area and confined volume space, have made them suitable substrates for applications in catalysis, adsorption, separation and energy storage. Those properties, added to the possibility of harnessing the materials’ size and chemical selectivity, have been key in broadening their application towards novel (bio)analytical technologies supporting sensing and imaging. This topical collection aims to cover recent advances in the field of (bio)analytical tools built on porous nanomaterials (e.g., nanoporous carbons, polymeric nanoporous materials, metal-organic frameworks, silica, metal and metalloid oxides, colloidal crystals), highlighting the advantages provided by the nanoscale environment, and unveiling future research to evolve in their (bio)analytical applicability.

This topical collection aims to showcase groundbreaking research, innovative technologies, and practical applications that are revolutionizing the way we monitor, detect, and diagnose various conditions and diseases. It seeks to gather chemical analysis and bioanalysis-oriented research articles, along with invited review articles, on the cutting-edge advancements in next-generation sensors and diagnostics, focusing on the following topics:

Novel Sensor/Biosensor Technologies: Advanced materials and fabrication techniques for high-performance sensors Miniaturized and wearable (bio)sensors for continuous monitoring Optical, electrochemical, and acoustic sensing modalities at the micro scale Wireless and remote (bio)sensing technologies and bioelectronics

Diagnostics and Imaging: Point-of-care diagnostics and rapid testing Nanomaterial-based molecular diagnostics and genomics Imaging techniques, including optical, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound imaging (Bio)sensing technologies using AI-powered image analysis and interpretation

Applications in Healthcare and Beyond: Early disease detection and prevention Personalized medicine and precision health Environmental monitoring and pollution detection Food safety and quality control

Contributors are expected to be researchers, clinicians, and industry experts from diverse backgrounds, including materials science and engineering, electrical engineering and computer science, biomedical engineering and biotechnology, chemistry and biochemistry, physics and optics, clinical medicine and diagnostics. The hosted works are anticipated to advance the field of sensors and diagnostics, fostering improved healthcare outcomes and societal benefits.